Free Outside

Support the Show: Patreon.com/freeoutside Dean Karnazes joins the show to share his incredible running journey. We discuss his unique perspective on running as a form of play, his ambitious goals, and the cultural differences in trail running across the globe. He reflects on the evolution of ultra running, his early experiences, and the spirit of adventure that drives him. Karnazes also touches on the challenges of storytelling and navigating his public persona as a well-known figure in the ultra-running community. In this engaging conversation, Dean Karnazes shares his experiences and insights from over three decades in ultra running. He discusses the challenges and rewards of competing at an older age, the mental preparation required for long races, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Dean also reflects on the relatability of running stories, the journey of writing his first book, and the evolution of trail running. He offers valuable advice for aspiring runners and storytellers, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the courage to pursue one's passions. Check out Dean's Books: https://amzn.to/4fp6X8n Takeaways Dean Karnazes has completed numerous ultra marathons and unique challenges. He views running as a form of play and adventure. Karnazes has ambitious goals, including running from the Dead Sea to Mount Everest. Stage racing presents different challenges compared to traditional races. Cultural differences impact the popularity of trail running worldwide. The growth of trail running is increasing in both the US and Europe. Karnazes's early experiences in ultra running were marked by a lack of information and support. The spirit of adventure is a driving force in Karnazes's life. Storytelling became a significant aspect of Karnazes's journey in ultra running. Navigating public recognition has been a personal growth experience for Karnazes. Dean Karnazes continues to inspire younger runners despite his age. The ultra running scene has evolved significantly over the years. Mental preparation is crucial for enduring long races. Perseverance can lead to rewarding experiences, even in tough races. Relatable stories in running can inspire a broader audience. Writing a book was a personal challenge for Dean. The book tour experience was both grueling and rewarding. Curiosity drives Dean to seek new adventures in running. It's common to take on more challenges than one can handle. The trail running community is growing and evolving. Sound Bites "I always try to view running as a form of play." "There's a lot of logistics involved." "I never looked at myself as a competitive athlete." "I'm fucking old and people still race me." "I'm gonna try my best at this race." "Not everyone can have a VO2 max like Killian's." "Can you write a good book?" "I've got so many stories." "It's about an experience, right? A race experience." Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Dean Karnazes 02:09 Running as Play: A Unique Perspective 03:52 Ambitious Goals: From Badwater to Everest 05:57 Stage Racing: A Different Kind of Challenge 08:08 Cultural Differences in Trail Running 11:30 The Evolution of Ultra Running 12:03 The Early Days of Ultra Running 18:09 The Spirit of Adventure 20:39 Storytelling and Public Persona 23:28 The Endurance of Age and Competition 24:50 Exploring New Challenges in Ultra Running 27:13 Mental Preparation for Long Races 29:07 The Power of Perseverance 31:29 Relatability in Running Stories 32:07 The Journey of Writing a Book 34:10 Life After Publishing: The Book Tour Experience 36:11 Curiosity and New Adventures in Running 38:06 Biting Off More Than You Can Chew 41:22 The Evolution of Trail Running 45:03 Advice for Aspiring Runners and Storytellers

In this episode, Jeff Garmire, known as 'Legend', shares his incredible journey through the world of endurance sports. With over 30,000 miles of backpacking experience, he discusses his transition from traditional thru-hiking to tackling ultra-marathons and setting Fastest Known Times (FKTs). Jeff elaborates on his experiences with the Great Western Loop, the Colorado Trail, and the Cocodona 250, highlighting the mental and physical challenges he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of having a toolkit of strategies to overcome obstacles and maintain motivation during long endurance events. In this conversation, Jeff Garmire shares his insights on endurance racing, training for long-distance events, the importance of recovery, and how to set and achieve personal goals. He discusses the mental and emotional aspects of endurance sports, the significance of rest days, and how to handle pushback from others when pursuing one's passion. Jeff also reflects on his experiences with failure and the lessons learned, as well as his approach to efficiency in long-distance hiking. The discussion wraps up with Jeff's plans for the winter and how he disconnects from metrics to enjoy running. Check out the PB and Mountains Podcast Takeaways Jeff's journey began with a simple encounter with a thru-hiker. He believes in having fun while pursuing difficult challenges. The Great Western Loop is a 7,000-mile trek around the West. Mental resilience is key in endurance sports. Every challenge faced adds tools to your toolkit. The Colorado Trail was a significant test of endurance. Aid stations in races provide crucial support and motivation. Jeff's humor and unique style set him apart in the endurance community. He emphasizes the importance of micro-goals during tough times. New goals and ideas keep Jeff motivated in his pursuits. The energy of the environment can greatly enhance performance. Long-distance races require a different training approach than shorter ones. Recovery is crucial for improvement and should be prioritized. It's important to manage external opinions when pursuing personal passions. Setting goals involves transforming dreams into actionable plans. Taking time off from metrics can help maintain the joy of running. Failures can provide valuable lessons and insights for future attempts. Efficiency in long-distance hiking can be achieved through structured planning. Creativity can help break the monotony of long hikes. Connecting with the audience is essential for sharing experiences. Sound Bites "I want something really hard." "I just enjoy in the moment when it's tough." "I just dove into this." "You just never want to run out of tools." "I didn't even know how drop bags worked." "I love interacting with the other runners." "The first 40 miles don't really matter." "You need to take rest days every so often." "Dreams, goals, plans." "Disconnecting from all the metrics." "Where can people catch up with you?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jeff Garmire: The Legend 02:53 The Evolution of Endurance: From Thru-Hiking to Ultra Running 05:46 The Great Western Loop: A 7,000-Mile Challenge 12:06 Breaking Records: The Colorado Trail Experience 17:59 Mental Strategies for Endurance Challenges 20:50 Cocodona 250: A Unique Ultra Experience 29:27 The Energy of Endurance Racing 30:53 Training for Long-Distance Races 32:43 The Importance of Recovery 36:36 Overcoming Pushback and Pursuing Passion 40:52 Goal Setting: Dreams, Goals, and Plans 43:45 Winter Training and Disconnecting from Metrics 45:15 Learning from Failures 48:56 Efficiency in Long-Distance Hiking 57:04 Connecting with the Audience

In this conversation, Tara Dower shares her experiences as an ultra runner and her journey to setting the FKT on the Appalachian Trail. She discusses the emotional challenges of post-trail depression, the importance of crew dynamics, and the lessons learned from her previous failed attempt at the trail. Tara emphasizes the significance of nutrition and planning in achieving FKTs, and how her supportive crew played a crucial role in her success. The conversation also touches on mental health, overcoming panic attacks, and the importance of teamwork in endurance sports. In this conversation, Tara Dower shares her experiences preparing for and completing the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail. She discusses the meticulous planning involved, the balance between training for the Hard Rock race and the FKT, and the importance of having a supportive crew. Tara emphasizes the evolution of FKT training, the significance of sharing knowledge within the community, and her passion for documenting her adventures through vlogging. The discussion also touches on the role of social media in making outdoor experiences more accessible and the joy of creating content on platforms like YouTube. Tara reflects on the mindset needed to tackle big challenges and shares her aspirations for future FKTs, particularly on the Long Trail. takeaways Post-trail depression can be a significant challenge after achieving a major goal. Having a supportive crew is essential for success in FKTs. Nutrition plays a critical role in endurance events. Experiencing failure can lead to personal growth and understanding. Mental health issues can manifest physically during intense activities. Planning and preparation are key to tackling long-distance trails. The journey is as important as the destination in trail running. Team dynamics can enhance performance and morale during FKTs. Setting smaller goals can help manage anxiety during long challenges. The Appalachian Trail is a massive undertaking that requires careful strategy. Preparation is key for a successful FKT attempt. Balancing multiple training goals can enhance performance. Viewing challenges from a positive perspective can aid in success. The evolution of FKT training includes running efficiency. Learning from others' experiences is invaluable. Sharing knowledge can inspire future adventurers. Documenting experiences through vlogging adds value to the journey. Social media can make outdoor experiences more accessible. Creating content should be enjoyable and fulfilling. Embracing failure is part of personal growth and adventure. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower's Achievements 05:55 The Journey to the Appalachian Trail FKT 11:51 Lessons from Failure: The 2017 Attempt 18:07 The Importance of Crew Dynamics 23:48 Planning for the FKT: The Trail Bible 30:08 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Goals 38:08 The Evolution of FKT Training 46:20 The Role of Social Media in Outdoor Experiences 54:51 Mindset for Tackling Big Challenges

Frank Gielen, a member of the champion Belgium team in the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship and owner of the Backyard world record joins the podcast. Frank shares his journey into ultra running, the strategies he employs during races, and the importance of teamwork and mental resilience. He discusses the challenges of managing sleep and nutrition, the phenomenon of hallucinations during long races, and the camaraderie among competitors. The conversation culminates in reflections on breaking records and the future of backyard ultra racing. In this conversation, Frank The Tank shares his insights on nutrition, training, and mental strategies for endurance events, particularly backyard ultras. He emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition, the role of a supportive crew, and the need for a structured plan focused on endurance. Frank also discusses the significance of mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving personal goals, while looking forward to future races and challenges. Follow Frank Gielen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankdetank_ultraloper/ takeaways Always nervous for such kind of events. The less goals you have, the less stress you have. I learned to appreciate the format more and more. You help yourself also by helping each other. The nights are the hardest part of it. I make sure I have my dose of hallucinations. We chose to stop together after we break the world record. I still have the bladder of a 90 year old. I was always happy to do one more. Team dynamics are crucial in endurance racing. Portion control is key for endurance nutrition. Easy digestible foods are preferred in the early hours. Crew support is crucial for success in endurance events. Training should focus on endurance with a mix of surfaces. Mindset can significantly impact performance and recovery. It's important to learn from past experiences and mistakes. Fast laps allow for better rest and nutrition intake. A strong crew can help push you through tough moments. Training mileage can vary; quality over quantity is essential. Believing in oneself can help break mental barriers. Sound Bites "The less goals you have, the less stress you have." "I learned to appreciate the format more and more." "You help yourself also by helping each other." "I was always happy to do one more." "The nights are the hardest part of it." "I make sure I have my dose of hallucinations." "I see dinosaurs now!" "We are friends, stopping together." "I still have the bladder of a 90 year old." "Every backyard you learn something new." "You don't need to be as fast as others to succeed." "Gerald is worth gold. He's a really true friend." "I focus on endurance, about a 100K a week." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Backyard Ultra Racing 02:58 Frank's Journey into Ultra Running 05:47 Team Dynamics and Strategies in Backyard Ultras 09:12 Personal Strategies for Endurance Racing 11:59 Managing Sleep and Nutrition During Races 15:01 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges in Long Races 18:02 The Experience of Breaking Records Together 20:50 Post-Race Recovery and Reflections 23:59 The Future of Backyard Ultra Championships 34:34 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Events 41:05 The Importance of Crew Support 42:42 Training Structure and Endurance Focus 49:23 Peak Training Weeks and Race Preparation 56:43 Mindset and Mental Strategies for Success 01:03:23 Future Goals and Upcoming Challenges

In this episode, Jeff Garmire discusses the complexities and challenges of pursuing Fastest Known Times (FKTs) in ultra running, the current trends in the sport, and the upcoming award season. He delves into the intricacies of voting for awards, the importance of training philosophy, and the need for specificity in training for races. Jeff also shares insights on building speed and endurance, and looks ahead to future episodes with notable guests. takeaways FKTs require meticulous logistics and mental preparation. The Arizona Trail is seeing a surge in record attempts. Award season brings attention to various achievements in ultra running. Voting for awards can be biased and complex. Off-season is a time for athletes to focus on speed and recovery. Building speed is essential for improving overall performance. Specificity in training is crucial for race success. Nutrition plays a key role in recovery after long runs. Future episodes will feature top coaches and athletes. Engagement with the audience is encouraged for future questions. Sound Bites "It's interesting how it goes in waves." "Nick is doing the FKT. He knows what he's doing." "The more you eat, the more you recover." "I have some huge guests coming on." "Stay elite, my friends." Chapters 00:00 The Challenge of FKTs 02:53 Current Trends in Ultra Running 05:52 Award Season in Ultra Running 08:48 The Complexity of Voting in Awards 12:14 Training Philosophy and Off-Season Strategies 17:57 Building Speed and Endurance 23:55 Specificity in Training for Races 26:46 Looking Ahead: Future Guests and Questions

In this episode, Jeff Garmire shares his experiences from the Javelina race, reflecting on the community atmosphere and the challenges ultra runners face. He discusses his coaching role, race support dynamics, and the significance of the Arizona Trail for FKT attempts. Jeff also explores the planning for future races, the importance of motivation in endurance challenges, and the distinctions between unsupported and self-supported records. He wraps up with thoughts on upcoming events and personal reflections. takeaways Javelina is a unique event with a strong community vibe. Coaching athletes can be rewarding, especially in ultra races. The atmosphere at Javelina includes fun activities beyond racing. Planning for future races involves considering personal enjoyment over competition. The Arizona Trail offers two seasons for attempts at FKTs. Motivation is crucial for success in endurance challenges. Understanding the differences between unsupported and self-supported records is important. David Roach's performance at Javelina highlights his elite status in ultra running. The ultra running community is diverse and filled with inspiring stories. Future plans may include international races and new adventures. Sound Bites "It was really cool to reconnect with friends." "She actually came to me like seven or eight weeks ago." "It's really set up well to crew." Chapters 00:00Celebrating Birthdays and Javelina Adventures 02:54 The Atmosphere of Javelina and Race Dynamics 06:10 Planning for Future Races and Off-Season Training 09:02 Challenges of the Arizona Trail and FKT Attempts 11:57 Understanding Unsupported and Self-Supported Records 15:11 Ultra Running Awards and Notable Performances 18:06 Upcoming Plans and Halloween Reflections

In this episode, I dive into the rising trend of 'Did Not Finish' (DNF) in trail running. From my perspective as both a coach and runner, I explore how several factors are fueling this increase—like the draw of competition, the influence of social media, and the pressures of sponsorships. With financial incentives becoming more common, more athletes are taking bigger risks, which can often lead to DNFs. I also reflect on the mental side of racing, the importance of smart decision-making during events, and how social media impacts the way the trail running community views success and failure. Tune in as I break down the complex balance between ambition and sustainability in this ever-evolving sport! takeaways -The internet has contributed to more people quitting races. -Men are more likely to take risks in competitions. -Golden tickets for races create an addictive pursuit. -Increased sponsorships lead to higher competition levels. -Social media influences the way athletes approach their goals. -Visibility of success can lead to unrealistic expectations. -The pressure to perform can result in more DNFs. -Smart training and respect for the sport are crucial. -The media side of trail running is evolving. -Peer pressure can cloud personal motivations. Sound Bites "The internet has made more people DNF." "There's a science out there about risk-taking." "Getting a golden ticket is addicting." Chapters 00:00 The Rise of DNF in Trail Running 14:21 The Impact of Competition and Sponsorships 25:03 The Role of Social Media in Trail Running 28:27 Conclusion and Future of Trail Running

In this episode, Jeff Garmire discusses the inaugural Montana Meltdown race, detailing the journey from conception to execution. He shares the challenges faced in organizing the race, the experiences of race day, and reflections on the event's success. Additionally, Jeff opens up about his personal journey in ultra running, including setbacks and future goals, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body and adapting training plans accordingly. takeaways The idea for the race originated in 2021 during a casual conversation. Organizing a race involves many logistical challenges, including budgeting and food selection. The inaugural Montana Meltdown race had a 100% finisher rate, which was a unique achievement. Volunteers played a crucial role in the success of the race. The experience of race day was filled with unexpected challenges and fun moments. Jeff's personal journey has been marked by both successes and disappointments in ultra running. Listening to one's body is essential for long-term success in endurance sports. Future plans include potentially organizing another race and exploring new personal challenges. The importance of community support in organizing events cannot be overstated. Jeff's experiences highlight the unpredictable nature of ultra running and race organization. Sound Bites "I decided I'd bring it up to Alice and my partner" "We probably will do it again next year" "It's a little scary to put something out there" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Montana Meltdown 02:50 The Journey to Organizing a Race 06:07 Race Day Preparations and Challenges 09:01 The Inaugural Race Experience 11:52 Reflections on the Race and Future Plans 15:14 Personal Journey and Future Goals

In this episode, I interview Anastasia Wilde, an outdoor photographer specializing in race photography. We discuss Anastasia's journey into the field, the challenges of capturing runners in ultra races, the impact of social media on photography, and the complexities of copyright and usage rights. Anastasia shares insights on the business side of race photography, the importance of creative collaboration, and her editing process. The conversation also touches on the personal connections made with runners and offers advice for aspiring outdoor photographers. Follow Anastasia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_anastasiawilde takeaways Choose something you really love to photograph. Feedback from runners and races is crucial for improvement. Social media has changed the landscape of photography. Understanding copyright is essential for photographers. Building relationships with race directors fosters trust. Editing is a significant part of the creative process. Capturing the essence of runners' journeys is rewarding. Proactivity is key in getting photography gigs. Team dynamics enhance creativity and output. Runners should reach out to photographers before using their photos. Sound Bites "I think choose something you really love." "You just have to check back in with a photographer." "I love working with teams too, because then we kind of push each other." Chapters 00:00 Breaking into Outdoor Photography 04:43 Navigating the Challenges of Race Photography 07:52 The Complexities of Photo Usage and Copyright 13:37 The Financial Realities of Outdoor Photography 16:33 Building Connections in the Photography Community 22:34 Proactive Approaches to New Events 24:22 Capturing Iconic Moments in Nature 26:33 The Art of Event Photography 29:32 Editing: The Creative Process 31:32 Developing a Unique Photography Style 33:21 Tips for Runners: Looking Good in Photos 36:34 Building Connections: The Photographer's Role 38:22 Advice for Aspiring Outdoor Photographers

In this episode of the Free Outside podcast, Jeff Garmire reflects on recent events in the trail running community, including the breaking of the Appalachian Trail record and the controversy surrounding Camille Herron. He discusses the impact of ego in the sport, the importance of competition and community, and shares personal insights on fatigue and goal-setting. The episode also includes listener questions and thoughts on future plans for the podcast. takeaways The podcast has grown significantly, reaching over 500 listens per episode. Recent events in trail running highlight the interconnectedness of the community. Ego has become a significant factor in trail running, affecting athletes' behavior. The controversy surrounding Camille Herron raises questions about integrity in the sport. Competition can drive personal growth and improvement in performance. It's important to celebrate others' achievements as they raise the bar for everyone. Personal experiences of fatigue can impact motivation and goal-setting. Listener questions provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by athletes. Future plans for the podcast include exploring new routes and races. The journey of podcasting has pushed Jeff out of his comfort zone. Sound Bites "The world doesn't really change." "Ego is not as big as the community." "Doping is one of those things." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Growth 02:46 The Impact of Ego in Trail Running 05:13 The Controversy Surrounding Camille Herron 11:21 The Importance of Competition and Community 16:58 Personal Reflections on Fatigue and Goals 19:12 Listener Questions and Insights 31:47 Future Plans and Closing Thoughts